Mike Brown

Mike Brown

In his role at LendEDU, Mike uses data, usually from surveys and publicly-available resources, to identify emerging personal finance trends and tell unique stories. Mike’s work, featured in major outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, provides consumers with a personal finance measuring stick and can help them make informed finance decisions.

Articles by Mike Brown:

11
May
Coronavirus Survey Round 3: Expenses Keep Climbing But 26% Still Waiting on Stimulus Checks

Since mid-March, LendEDU has been tracking how the coronavirus is impacting personal finances. Our third survey found that retirement concerns have lessened as the market has rebounded and that it will take time for consumer behavior to return to normal even when lockdowns are lifted.

Posted in: Personal Finance, Reports,
05
May
Is Income Correlated to the Chances of Catching the Coronavirus?

While less-refined nationwide data suggests there is no correlation between income and the chances of catching the coronavirus, an analysis of more precise data from New York City indicates otherwise.

Posted in: Personal Finance, Reports,
28
Apr
Before Coronavirus Relief Came, 68% of Student Loan Borrowers Were Worried About Making Payments

That title stat includes 79% of borrowers who have lost their jobs due to the global pandemic. We also found that 54% of borrowers would not have been able to make their next federal student loan payment had relief not come.

Posted in: Reports, Student Loans,
21
Apr
The Most Budget-Friendly Cities for Homeowners With a Mortgage

We analyzed data on over 25,000 American cities to find the places where homeowners are the least likely to spend 30% or more of their household income on their mortgages.

Posted in: Mortgages, Personal Finance, Reports,
06
Apr
Coronavirus Survey Round Two: Unemployment Doubles, More Americans Worried About Retirement

Two weeks after the first one was published, LendEDU's second Coronavirus survey of 1,000 adult Americans also found that more consumers have dipped into their savings to cover expenses, while recent student loan changes may be helping.

Posted in: Personal Finance, Reports,
24
Mar
As the Coronavirus Pandemic Spreads, Is it Safe to Use ATMs?

LendEDU took a trip through New York City to scientifically test for the amount of germs found on ATMs. The results may keep you away.

Posted in: Personal Finance, Reports,
23
Mar
Survey: Americans Are Very Worried About Their Job Security & Finances Due to Coronavirus

Due to COVID-19, 57% of adult Americans are worried about their job security, while 63% are concerned about both their retirement savings and ability to make monthly student loan payments. Plus, many other insights from LendEDU’s newest survey.

Posted in: Personal Finance, Reports,
10
Mar
Residents of These Cities Are the Most Financially Prepared For Retirement

LendEDU looked at retirement data for more than 20,000 U.S. cities to see which places have residents that are best prepared financially to kick their feet up.

Posted in: Personal Finance, Reports,
03
Mar
Get Back on Your Feet Guide for the Homeless

A look at available programs and resources to help those facing homelessness.

Posted in: Personal Finance,
03
Mar
Finances of Fortnite (Season 2): In-Game Spending Increases by 21%

Almost two years after our first Fortnite report, we surveyed 1,000 Fortnite players to see how financial habits related to the game have changed.

Posted in: Personal Finance, Reports,